Nagaland Deputy Chief Minister Y. Patton on Monday launched the “Atmanirbhar Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan”, a 90-day state-wide campaign designed to promote locally made products, uplift artisans, and strengthen Nagaland’s self-reliant economy. The campaign, unveiled at the BJP headquarters in Kohima, aims to encourage citizens to embrace the spirit of Swadeshi by prioritising homegrown goods and supporting indigenous industries. In his address, Patton drew parallels between the present-day initiative and India’s historic Swadeshi movement of the independence era, which championed economic freedom through local enterprise. He said that while the earlier Swadeshi movement symbolised resistance against colonial imports, its modern form is a celebration of self-reliance through innovation, encompassing fields such as technology, defence manufacturing, semiconductors, Indian languages, and traditional crafts.
“The pledge of Swadeshi is a collective responsibility,” Patton remarked. “Every citizen should take pride in using and promoting products made by our people. This is not just about buying local—it is about preserving our cultural identity, sustaining livelihoods, and building economic resilience from the grassroots.”Under the 90-day campaign, a range of activities and outreach programmes will be organised across the state. These include online quizzes, essay competitions, awareness seminars, and Swadeshi fairs in major towns and villages. The events aim to engage students, professionals, and entrepreneurs alike in discussions on sustainable consumption, local innovation, and skill-based entrepreneurship.The Deputy Chief Minister also highlighted how the campaign complements national initiatives such as “Make in India,” “Startup India,” and “Vocal for Local.” He emphasised that the movement’s success will depend on collective participation from both urban and rural communities. “By empowering our artisans and entrepreneurs, we are building a stronger Nagaland within a stronger India,” he added.
According to officials from the state’s Industries and Commerce Department, the campaign will also promote handicrafts, handlooms, organic produce, and locally processed foods, with a focus on creating market linkages between rural producers and urban consumers. The state government plans to collaborate with local cooperatives and women’s self-help groups to ensure wider reach and participation.
